Diamond day awaits for former Netherhall School teacher and his wife

Originally from Blackpool, Peter and Sylvia Clinning started courting 67 years ago.

They were married at St Thomas Church in Blackpool where they had met at youth group and choir.

But it is possible they met as infants, after Mrs Clinning’s grandfather was hurt while working on the construction of Blackpool Tower.

Mr Clinning’s father had the job of handing out compensation pay.

Mrs Clinning said: “He used to take Peter in the pram and I was always at my grandparents, so I am sure we met."

The couple came to West Cumbria when Mr Clinning, 82, was appointed head of modern languages at Netherhall School in 1967. He retired in 1993 as head of sixth form and deputy headteacher.

They decided to live in Aspatria where they lived for 30 years.

Mrs Clinning, 83, worked as a medical secretary before becoming personal assistant to the managing director of M Hackney and Coy, which is now Sealy Beds.

“I remember the first Posturepedic beds being made,” she said.

Both were involved in the community. Mr Clinning joined Maryport Rotary Club in 1978 and has served as secretary, president and publicity officer.

Mrs Clinning was very involved with the Inner Wheel. She was president three times and served as district secretary for an area covering Cumbria and much of Lancashire.

The couple, now of The Beeches, Maryport, had two children, Alison and Steven.

Alison became one of the country's youngest mayors aged 23 when she took on the role of Mayor of Aspatria.

“Sadly, she died from a bad asthma attack when she was only 33. She is always with us and she gave us our grandson, Peter. He followed in her footsteps and became a young mayor, when he was on Maryport Town Council, “Mrs Clinning said.

Steven also has three children.

The couple say love and respect are the key to a happy marriage.

But, they say, you should never believe anyone who says they never argue.

They are due to celebrate their anniversary on Friday, August 25.